standards, handbook, misc Flashcards
what acronym is used to remember the steps in BLS?
DRS ABCD
What does DRS ABCD stand for?
Danger - check for danger, ensure area around patient is safe Response - check if the patient is responsive. Ask ‘can you hear me?’, agitate shoulders Shout - shout for someone near by who can help Airway - head tilt, chin lift. Check patients airways are clear from obstruction Breathing - Look, listen and feel for no longer than ten seconds Circulation - check simultaneously for carotid pulse while monitoring for breathing Defibrilation
How should an airway assessment be carried out?
Open airway using head tilt, chin lift and assess patency of airway. If foreign body is present and within reach attempt single finger sweep
How should breathing be assessed?
Ignore agonal breaths. Look, listen and feel for breathing
How is circulation assessed?
Palpate carotid pulse simultaneously with breathing for no longer than ten seconds
How should help be sought for a patient who has collapsed?
Shout for help from someone who may be nearby who can assist with CPR and call an ambulance.
What information needs to be given when phoning for an ambulance?
Dial 999 Ask for an ambulance State location, phone number and nature of emergency Must state ‘cardiac arrest and patient is not breathing’
Describe how chest compressions should be carried out
Place hands in the centre of the chest, interlock fingers, lock arms and compress chest by 5-6cm deep at roughly 100-120 times per minute. Continue with as few interruptions as possible
How should an automatic external defibrilator be used (EAD)
Place pads in position as illistrated on bare flesh, ensuring good contact without interrupting compressions. Turn on AED and follow prompts If shock advised ensure no one is in contact with the patient by verbal and visual warnings. Deliver shock and immediately commence chest compressions Attempt ventilation with bag, valve, mask connected to 15L of oxygen with ratio of 30 compressions to two ventilations and look for chest movement Continue until paramedics arrive or patient responds
What is the ratio of chest compressions to ventilations?
30 compressions to two ventilations
What volume of oxygen should be connected to the bag, valve, mask?
15 litres
In paediatric BLS, when CPR is indicated, what is the first step?
Five rescue breaths before commencing with compressions
In paediatric BLS, how should help be sought?
CPR should be carried out for one minute before going for help if you are on your own
In paediatric BLS, what is the ratio of compressions to breaths?
15 compressions to two ventilations
During the coronavirus outbreak, what alterations should be made to delivery of CPR?
-Do not get too close to the patient to check breathing - When calling 999, put the operator on speaker phone and follow their instructions - Cover the patients nose and mouth loosely with a towel to reduce the risk of cross contamination -Do not give mouth to mouth, instead proceed with chest compressions -If available, use defibrilator as per instructions and prompts
